Scholars Academy, Clearwater FL

Beautiful new school
Came for a class with Professor Maria. Highly rec you get here and try this place out.

I've primarily trained under Coach Jeff for the past 3 years and he has been crucial to my growth in bjj. He is highly knowledgeable and passionate about grappling and can break down each lesson so that beginners and black belts alike can gain from the day's class. I have nothing but positive things to say about Maria and Jeff as grapplers, teachers, and all-around people.

Jeff and Maria are two of the best Jiu Jitsu coaches I have ever trained with. The classes have a great vibe and flow well while they take time to work with everyone on the mats. Jeff and Maria have created amazing program and a culture like no other. If you’re curious about Jiu Jitsu, I strongly encourage you to check out this gym.

I have been training for 5 years with Professors Jeff and Maria and I can say without a doubt that these are two of the best instructors you could possibly have. I started attending their classes within the first month of starting BJJ and 5 years later I'm still learning from them. Having (and still) training with them, I can say that they the ability, knowledge, and patience to be excellent instructors whether it's your first day or your 2,000th day. I'm proud to say that the two of them are one of the reasons I've been training this long and will contiue to train as long as I can.

Absolutely awesome jiu jitsu coaches and better people.have known and trained with them for years

I’ve been a student of Jeff’s for a very long time and his coaching and teamwork abilities have never upset me. Professor Jeff is a true worker of his art and will treat people as if they are family once they walk through the door.

As a woman in a generally male-dominated sport, training BJJ can be especially intimidating - but not at Scholars Academy! I've been training under owners Jeff and Maria for almost two years now, and they've always made me feel like family. A fun and encouraging learning environment with a real sense of community, while also challenging students to push themselves outside their comfort zone. Scholars Academy is a family-based jiu jitsu school with room for everyone - no matter your age, gender, ability, or previous experience there is a place for you here. Highly recommend!

Professor Jeff is the best you will find. I started training with him about 7 months ago and I truly don’t think I would’ve gotten serious with this sport if it wasn’t for him. His knowledge exceeds all expectations and he goes out of his way to make sure everyone accomplishes their goals. His class is not only challenging but also entertaining and fun! The best part of it all is the community he creates. I highly recommend joining Scholars Academy, you won’t regret it!

I started training with Jeff in about 2010. He is a patient, through, and dedicated teacher. Anyone that trains with him will quickly see how skilled he is at jiujitsu as well as teaching. If I could train with anyone, I’d learn from Professor Jeff.

I’ve had the honor and privilege of training under Coach Jeff and Coach Maria for over a year and seeing that the 2 of them now have their own academy makes it that much better for the BJJ community as a whole. When I was a new white belt I was worried to get on the mats and terrified everyone would beat me into the ground, but early on Coach Jeff was able to guide me through how no one gets a black belt in one day, it’s a process. As such, whenever I was in his class or doing a private he envelops you in his process of jiujitsu and what it means to be a martial artist on and off the mats.

I couldn’t be happier for this new academy and it’s a blessing to know and train with both Coach Jeff and Coach Maria because I know they will only settle for success.

Owners Jeff and Maria are incredible instructors. Experienced, skilled and patient, they are equipped to help everyone at any level in their Jiu Jitsu journey. They also cultivate a great experience from kids to adults. I highly recommend this academy!

Jeff and Maria are some of the finest BJJ coaches I’ve had the pleasure of training with. They are adept at teaching both beginners and long time athletes. I always walked away from their classes having learned a small (and sometimes large) detail I never noticed before. If you are even considering training you will not go wrong putting your trust in them.

I’ve known Jeff and Maria since I started training in Tampa in 2015. They have played an absolutely pivotal role in my Jiu Jitsu journey. I can count on my hand the individuals I know that are as dedicated to the art and teaching it as these two have been with me. Whether you’re just looking for something to get in shape, learn an incredibly effective and proven system of self defense, or are already a practitioner in search of continued, competent instruction in a great environment, I cannot recommend Scholars Academy enough.

Great Jiu Jitsu, better people. Jeff and Maria are passionate about the sport and create a great environment in the gym. They have a wealth of knowledge in competing and coaching.

I've trained with Professor Jeff for a while and he is truly one of the best. He's incredibly knowledgeable, patient, and kind. Whether you're training Jiu Jitsu for personal fitness, competition, or what have you, both him and Maria will have your back while pushing you to be the best you you can be. If you have the ability to train at Scholars Academy I say 1,000% do it! You won't regret it.

Professors Jeff and Maria are incredible instructors. Vast knowledge of jiu jitsu and super personable which creates an addictive environment for learning the techniques. I started training with them about a 1.5-2 years ago and they helped mold and elevate my game. Always willing and able to answer any question that you might have.

Jeff is an outstanding coach and mentor. He patiently taught our son Jiu Jitsu and we are looking forward to training at Scholars Academy!

I’ve had the pleasure of training with Professor Jeff for a little under a year and a half. He helped develop and nurture my love for Jiu Jitsu. He taught me through the intro curriculum basics and through my transition to rolling regularly at his 6am classes.

His knowledge of the sport is vast. His teaching style is clear and easy to understand. Most importantly, he fosters an environment centered on learning the sport, respecting others, and having fun. This will naturally attract good people and encourage others to do the same.

I can’t recommend training under Professor Jeff enough.